2009 Poetry Theme Challenges

#3 Thank You Firefighters

For the next 4 weeks the theme challenge will be a "Thank You Firefighters". Use your imagination with the picture posted above, even
the most dangerous creatures can be tamed when in need of help.
I am sure there has been a fire that touched your heart in your country. I believe it is time to thank those who helped with the rescue
of homes, humans, animals and natures beautiful trees. To add to the challenge try combining it with the Form Challenge.

The Gods have hid the moon and stars
Just like they hid the sun from sight
To mourn and avoid more pain
This is no time for might

The innocent fly up to heaven
The sinners stay in a hell that they created
And what of the beasts that died
Are their evil desires now sated?

The Koala was the first to die
Too slow too move along the ground so well
His home aflame, no more a heaven
Was now a flaming eucalyptic hell.

Other creatures ways were blocked
By bush that should've been cleared away
And now provided kindling
To build up the flame this way.

Rare or pest flames did the rest
Threatened species too
I hope Greenpeace warriors think of this
When they try to close a zoo.

Three places built to care for them
Were burnt completely away
And the creature kept within these walls
Join the millions that died this day.

The tragic toll can only be guessed
A million maybe more creatures died
Some have been saved and may still live
But a lot have to be euthanized.

At end of day the Moon hid by smoke
Still weeps, but her tears are dry
The ducts are empty all fluid gone
'Caused she watched too many die.

-----

Black Saturday

Once again we have to thank you
Your vigilance and hard work
Thwarted danger in spite of the heat and wind
Prepared as you were there is no escaping
What a miracle you have worked.

Yet there is no peace for you
You fight the fires, then must prepare again
Because some stupid person stopped you before
And only after so much death and destruction
You were allowed do your proper job.

Two weeks ago you emerged from hell
As saviours and heroes every one
This Thursday gone four fires were left
With promise of a another tormented weekend
But you were prepared this time and won.

To all the fire stations and firefighters
No matter where you're from
I thank you with all my heart
You're all bloody heroes,
God bless you, everyone.

-----

Thank You

The alarm has rung, you must run from work
Where you have to gather at the yard.
Another call's been made, another fire's been seen
Another time you'll be working bloody hard.

A grass fire this time probably a passing car
Has thrown out a still lit cig.
Although small at first with this wind and heat
It could grow into something big.

The hot north wind has fanned the blaze
This isn't an ordinary breeze.
For if it isn't put out quick those bloody sparks
Could fly into those nearby trees.

If they gets alight your in deep shit
There's a thousand acres of wood
And behind that a new estates been built
If the flames gets there it wont do any good,

Gazza's there with his brand new tractor
Trying to cut out a too narrow fire brake
But its much too little, much too late
For any bloody good to make.

Yer hands are tied by bloody red tape
Yers can't clear and prepare for fire
So those Chardonnay sipping bastards
Have once again put you in the mire.

So blokes like Frank, and Laurie and Bluey
Must work twice or three times as hard
Risking their lives, their sanity and health
All caused by a stupid bastards discard.

This time they won and beat back the fire
But this isn't always the case
They got there in time and worked bloody hard
With more wind they could have lost the race.

So next time you see a Firefighter
Buy him or her, a bloody drink
Cause it could be him or her one day
Or similar, that'll pull you out the stink.

God Bless Em every one!

-----

Zero Chance

They were too young to die
When Vesta made her call
At such a tender age.
As heroines they left
Departing from life's stage.

They were too young to die
Twenty one and one more
The world was at their feet.
Beauty and innocence
So nothing could compete.

They were too young to die
In caring for their horses
Trying to save their lives
They met with cruel forces
Were unable to survive.

They were too young to die
Their gravestones will remark
Death was busy that day
Gathering souls out the fire
And taking them to play.